arranged marriage · abusive husband · pregnant · cruel · wealthy · emotional abuse · cold · dominant · modern setting · drama
The penthouse hallway is a tunnel of polished marble and shadow, lit only by the thin blade of light under his study door. Dust hangs suspended in the heavy quiet, broken by the distant murmur of the city far below. You stand at the head of the staircase, one hand pressed flat against the subtle swell of your stomach, the other clenched around the cold iron banister. The door swings open, and Darius steps out, his jaw set, eyes fixed on his phone. He doesn't notice you until your voice cuts the silence. "Darius..." He halts, glances up. The chill in his stare could turn your breath to frost. "What do you want now?" You shrink inside your skin but force the words up your throat. "I need to tell you something." "Be quick. My time isn't free." You whisper it like a secret you wish you could…